NAPERVILLE

ABBY KOCH

CEO, LCSW

As the owner of Good Therapy, Abby Koch, LCSW, is expert at creating a comfortable environment where every client feels safe sharing feelings in order to strengthen every step towards optimal mental health. Specializing in couples’ therapy and helping parents who struggle with anxiety, depression, and life transitions, Abby cares for an average of 20-25 clients per week, while finding endless inspiration in helping all of her clients realize their unique therapeutic goals.

Abby embarked on her career 20 years ago, after she earned her Bacherlor’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Iowa, followed by her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Chicago’s Loyola University. She began working at Thresholds, helping the severely mentally ill embrace their lives independently before her professional path led to her experience as a crisis worker for children and adults. She then gave her expertise in Early Intervention before volunteering in India, supporting children suffering extreme poverty.

Precious time away from the office is spent with family and friends, working out, and reading. Her best Sunday involves waking up early to work out, being an enthusiastic spectator at her children’s athletic events, followed by dinner at home with close friends.

Abby considers her mother, a single mom who raised two kids while working full-time, her hero because she demonstrated that no matter the challenge, you can accomplish anything. Her mother also instilled in Abby a unwavering work ethic and a drive to always help others.

Known by colleagues and clients for her genuine, authentic spirit, it’s practically impossible for Abby to even imagine pursuing any other profession, as she has known that this is the kind of work she has been called to do since she was in fourth grade. That call never disconnected.

Having worked as hard as she did to get to where she is today, Abby is a passionate advocate about her work, constantly driven to discover better support for her clients.

Kim Milton

CLINICAL DIRECTOR

MSW, LCSW, CADC

Kim Milton, MSW, LCSW, CADC is a therapist specializing in individual, adolescent, and group psychotherapy with a focus on addictions. Before joining the team at Good Therapy, Kim interned at Elgin Mental Health and Joliet’s Presence St. Joseph Medical Center. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Kim is also a licensed social worker and certified alcohol and drug counselor. Kim’s diverse client roster includes experiences assisting clients in the legal system, some of whom have been convicted of serious crimes.

An animal lover – horses are her favorite – Kim enjoys music, cooking, and camping. Reading is another of Kim’s treasured pastimes and she is a serious Harry Potter fan. When it comes to creature comforts, Kim reaches for Skips or Marmite.

If she wasn’t a licensed therapist, Kim would be a mental health lawyer. Dedicated to research and the pursuit of new coping skills, Kim is invaluable to the Good Therapy team.

Heather Lemke

LCPC

Heather Lemke has worked as a Clinical Therapist for five years, and specializes in behavioral concerns, school refusal, social skill development, parent-child relational struggles, conflict resolution, the development of coping mechanisms, stress and anger management, and general communication support. A former crisis worker, another area of Heather’s expertise involves working with young patients, post-hospitalization.

Her educational background and training includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri – Columbia and a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Concordia University – Chicago. Heather is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors, and holds a Clinical Professional Counselor license (LCPC) with the state of Illinois.

Ultimately, when meeting with clients – whether children, teenagers, couples, parents, or families – Heather’s goal is to support and help them work through feelings, emotions, and experiences; establish personal goals for the present and future; and assist them in developing beneficial skills that can serve them well across many areas of their lives.

When she is not working as a therapist, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and her loved ones. Other interests include trying new and exciting food and restaurants, watching the latest scary movie, and spending as much time outside as possible. She is an avid Cubs and Bears fan and loves going to games whenever possible.

Asked about personal heros, Heather names her grandmother – a selfless person able to do a whole lot with very little, always willing to help her family when needed. Heather embraces lessons learned from her mother like, never say “I can’t,” because hard work and effort makes anything possible. She also lives by the Golden Rule – treat people the way you would want to be treated.

Heather volunteers to support active duty military service members, in addition to veteran-related issues. The military is near and dear to Heather’s heart as her brother currently serves in the Navy and her husband is a veteran of the Marine Corps.

Jill Brick

MSW

Jill Brick, MSW, is a professional therapist who specializes in adolescent, individual and couples therapy, and is also a school social worker. She has experience working with children who suffer from depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, trauma, school refusal and bullying. She empowers youth by teaching them healthy coping strategies on how to positively manage anxiety, depression and other life challenges that are impacting them socially, emotionally, and academically. Jill also offers support to parents by educating and guiding them to better support their child during their time of need.

Jill has been married for more than twenty years, and has a teenage son and daughter. She has life experience with the struggles and rewards of raising a family and in being in a committed relationship. She has a positive, yet realistic outlook on life and has valuable, practical advice when it comes to couples, relationships and commitment.

When Jill isn’t meeting with clients or working as a school social worker, she enjoys spending time with her family. She loves laughing and watching silly shows like “Impractical Jokers,” feeling that laughter is a great release. Jill also loves animals, and has a dog named Bailey and a guinea pig named Billy.

Jill believes the children she works with are her heroes. They teach her to be a better person and give her fresh perspective on life. These children have lived through trauma, grief, depression and abuse, and are survivors. These children are the reason she does what she does.

.Jack Kane,

M.Div,CADC, LCSW

Jack has his Masters Degree from Aurora University with a concentration in Addictions. After Jack received his Masters, he obtained his CADC, which stands for Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Jack has been in the field for the past 7 years.

Jack specializes in working with teens and adults as well as family members who are effected by substance abuse. Jacks goal as a therapist is to create a trusting relationship with his clients. Jack feels trust is key in helping clients succeed.

When Jack is not at Good Therapy seeing clients, he is working at Linden Oaks Behavioral Hospital, providing crisis stabilization, case coordination and discharge planning services to patients and families who are in need of continued behavioral health care following.

Outside of work, Jack is spending time with family, reading, cooking and playing ice hockey.

Rebecca Karlinski

Intern

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Benedictine University, and I am currently working towards my Master’s degree in clinical psychology from Benedictine University. I have always felt called to work in a profession where I can build connections with others and make a positive difference. I am passionate about working with a range of populations including children, people with Autism, and people who have experienced trauma. I believe in the power of resiliency and positive connections to help people overcome challenges and become the best version of themselves.

My approach is collaborative with my client and blends the skills I have learned in areas of play therapy, positive psychology, mindfulness, behavior modification, and stress management. I strive to build a comfortable and supportive environment to foster client growth.

On a more personal note, I spend most of my free time with friends or family. I always enjoy spending time outdoors, either walking my border collie or going for a hike. When I am not outside, you can usually find me watching movies.

SCHROEDER SPENCER

INTERN

I graduated from Grace College with a degree in psychology and I am currently finishing up my classwork in the Master of Clinical Counseling program at Benedictine University. I am so excited to be working through my internship at Good Therapy. I’m eager to begin working with people in my community and, together, building a stronger foundation of mental health. I believe in the effectiveness of counseling to transform people’s lives through empowerment and genuine empathy. The inherent dignity of all people and the incalculable value of life are central to my work ethic and personal outlook.I take a holistic view of psychological health because I understand that our wellness is complex, and our physical, mental, and spiritual needs must be acknowledged in order for us to heal. Change is inevitable, and there is hope in that truth.Personally, I love animals (especially dogs), my friends, trying new food, laughing, learning, springtime, art, and music.

NORTHBROOK

Amy Edelson

LCSW

Amy has been practicing in the field for over 15 years. Amy’s warmth and compassion tend to put her clients at ease. She specializes in grief and loss, depression/anxiety, women’s issues, life transitions, couples counseling, and development of coping strategies. Amy has experience working with adults, couples, children, adolescents, and families using a strength based perspective. Amy enjoys empowering her clients to find the best version of themselves and ultimately become more confident in who they are.

Amy graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Psychology and received her Masters in Social Work from Loyola University.

Amy began her career working as a Family Intervention Specialist, providing in-home visits to families affected by child abuse in the Chicago Public Housing Projects. Amy provided crisis counseling, conducted family therapy sessions and individualized child therapy. Amy worked in hospice for many years, assisting families and individuals navigate end of life issues, anticipatory grief, and bereavement counseling.

When Amy is not meeting with clients, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Amy is married with two young children, and understands the many challenges of parenting and finding a sense balance. Amy enjoys working out, practicing yoga, and dancing.

Heather Goldman

MSW, LSW

Heather has experience working with people across the lifespan. She provides counseling to adolescents and teens as well as to couples and older adults. Heather enjoys working with adolescents struggling with peer relationships, stress, family conflicts, depression, ADHD, and anxiety. When working with children Heather supports parents by working collaboratively with them on daily challenges. When working with older adults Heather focuses on finding strengths and working within the family system when appropriate. Heather provides a supportive and calm approach to help individuals, couples and families find their strengths and develop new skills in order to move forward.

Heather has a Bacehelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin with a Certificate in Gerontology. Heather has a Master’s Degree in Social work from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Heather has always had a passion for connecting to and helping people. Heather and her family have lived in 6 different States and is happy to have returned to her roots on the North Shore of Chicago. Heather strives to maintain a balance between family, work and time for herself.